Leicester City will be under no illusion: an exodus of stars, the forced selling of key talents, and the pressure of supporters demanding a revolution. Whether their over-influential Jon Rudkin and under-pressure head coach Nistelrooy can deliver that revolution is a different matter.
We also understand that should the Dutchman lead the Foxes into the EFL Championship, then the priorities in terms of team selection and transfers will be two-fold: a foundation of youth promotion, and younger developing talents with strong physical attributes. It is entirely realistic the King Power Club would sign youth stars from Premier League clubs to support their youth promotions.
Leicester City transfer link revealed
One such possible youth star is Jack Kingdon. The 19-year-old defender would fit the requirements laid out by Nistelrooy in previous comments as a developing talent, the head coach could shape the centre-back/right-back into the kind of progressive and assertive defender he wants out of his backline. Additionally, having been at Manchester United, the Englishman fits naturally with 'RVN' who himself was involved at the Red Devils for a short time.
The link comes from 'EFL Analysis', the credibility of which we cannot verify. As we have mentioned, it is highly likely the King Power Club will be looking at signing players from the youth setups of Premier League clubs while also promoting from within. In this way, they save money, have the potential to make a lot more money in future windows, and can develop the squad better.
As such, there will be myriad links to players from across clubs which are looking to leave their current side in search of first team football. What I can equally say is that someone like Kingdon would not be a starter here. Unless Leicester City lose Caleb Okoli, Jannik Vestergaard, and Conor Coady, I cannot see anyone breaking into a partnership with Ben Nelson who is tipped to be the breakout star next season.
Nevertheless, Kingdon could be developed. Stylistically, he is already very progressive. Often collecting the ball in defence and marauding forward to support the midfield and allow wingers and wing-backs to get into numerical advantages on the right before laying the ball off to either them or a nearby midfielder. The player also possesses a knack for long-balls over the top. Although not currently impactful, this can be trained.
This Jack Kingdon link is perhaps more indicative of what to expect from Leicester in the transfer market rather than a likely signing. However, the Foxes need to bring in young players that fit the physical and stylistic bill, and this defender would certainly fit that. Plus, he cannot be much worse than the inconsistency of Wout Faes or the lethargy of Vestergaard.